Sav, Nadide M.Teberik, Kuddusi2025-10-112025-10-1120250031-39981530-0447https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-025-04195-7https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12684/21915Background: In Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), acute-phase reactants rise during attacks, indicating active inflammation. However, subclinical inflammation-present even during remission-may contribute to organ damage, including ocular involvement. This study aimed to investigate the effects of subclinical chronic inflammation on ocular structures in children with FMF. Methods: The study involved 51 pediatric FMF patients in remission for at least three months and healthy controls. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to measure intraocular pressure, axial length, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, central macular thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness. Results: Acute-phase reactant levels were significantly elevated in the FMF group (p < 0.001). Inferotemporal RNFL thickness was notably reduced (p = 0.008), along with central macular, subfoveal, nasal, and temporal choroidal thicknesses. A mild positive correlation was observed between proteinuria and axial length (r = 0.282, p = 0.045). Conclusion: Subclinical inflammation in FMF may lead to early structural changes in the eye, potentially progressing over time. These findings highlight the importance of long-term ophthalmologic monitoring in pediatric FMF patients to better understand the cumulative impact of persistent inflammation.en10.1038/s41390-025-04195-7info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessArticle404812912-s2.0-105007699097WOS:001504228200001Q1Q1